Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1887-05-13
for the first time in his life Donald
Mckeon was a coward.

who had chafied at her bonds when
they were gilded. would bear the closer
relations that Strengthened income
would entail.
And he resolved that this at least he
would spare her. After all his obliga-
tions were met there would be some
thing left, not more than she had often
lavished on one dinner, perhaps, but
still enou Oh to keep her from absolute
want. essie should have this, and he
would 90 away and work for her and
dream of her, but never again to trou-
bic her with his presence.
He sat down and wrote her letter.
telling her this simply, directly. and
with the great love he bore her breath
ing through every word.
The servant told him she would not
be in for some time, and he took the
note up to her room himself.
1t was Il dainty place, bright as UNI
limited wealth and exquisite taste
could make it.
lingering a moment to touch caressing.
ly the costly articles that were scat
tered about the room. all breathing Of
her presence.
When he returned to the parlor the
early dusk was falling. A servant came
bringing lights, but he dismissed him
impatently, and few moments later
heard the sound of wheels and the
the sweet voice of his wife in the hall
giving directions.
At last the silence became urbear-
| able, and he seated himself at the
! piano. In n old bachelor days mu-
sic had been his passion. but in these
later years of feverish struggle he had
| found no time for il. But when his
fingers touched the KEYS all the dis
pair, the pain and longing in his heart
! found voice in the rich chords that
filled the room.
He played on, and gradually the
burden was lifted Music gave him
the comfort she ever gives to those
who truely love her. 1t was no long.
a wall of dispar but p1an of thanks-
civ NC for victory gained.
SO absorbed was he that he did not
hear soft footstep enter the room
A hand was laid on his shoulder. and a
tremulous voice sad;
Donald ~
HIS hand came down with a sudden
discord on the keys. 1t was the first
time that Jessie had ever called him
by that name.
He turned and saw her standing there
in her dressing gown of soft cashmere.
The freight was sending long rays
down the stately gloom OF the bra
ry, and she looked very beautiful
against the rosy back ground.
on read nav letter. Jessie ?''
YES; and | am sorry for your sake.
Donald; YOU have worked so hard for
your wealth.
do not think of me. Jessie. 1t is not
for IN, self care. / am not afraid of
poverty. But oh my child, if | could
save YOU from its sting If it were at
the sacrifice of my life. heaven is my
witness | would not scare il. "
She came close to him. and laid her
hands in his.
Donald, there is better thing you
can give me than wealth can buy. Give
me back the love / so madlv threw
away. Let me work with and help
YOU, and | will bless the day that made
us poor,'
jessie" he said. "are you sure of
this? Do not try TO deceive me. DC
not say it if it is not true. | could 90
away now and learn to bear it, but to
open my heart TO this new hope would
kill me!'
Donald do YOU think 1 am made OF
stone--that | could know all your
kindness and patience all these years
and not lean to love you? Oh, so Otter
/ have longed to kneel at your feet and
ask your forgiveness, but | believed
that had forfeited your deep love by
my folly"
"And you will not regret the loss al
wealth and luxury'" he said incredu-
ously. and can be happy with only my
love?"
You forget that papa and ] were
poor before | married you, Donald. and
was happier then than l have even
been since learned to hate the thing,
that cost me so much. and to envy III,
poorest woman, happy in her hus band'.
love"
He turned the sweet tear-wet face to
tho freight, and bent down and looked
into her eyes. And then he took hel
in his arms.
M! Darlington, darling" he said
softly.
And Geep in their hearts there was a
gladness that all the treasures of the
world could not huv